Charlie King has confirmed he is gay live on air while speaking on 'This Morning' after denying his sexuality on numerous occasions on 'The Only Way Is Essex'

Former 'The Only Way Is Essex' star Charlie King has confirmed he is gay.

The 29-year-old star - who previously dated co-star Gemma Collins - has opened up about his sexuality and confessed he's finally admitting his feelings to help other people feel more comfortable talking about it.

Speaking to Phillip Schofield and Amanda Holden on 'This Morning', Charlie said: "Our stories will help people, there is a way out.

"You are not alone. I want to be a positive person and tell people, 'You can do this'."

Charlie - who insisted he wasn't gay in a conversation with Ricky Rayment on TOWIE, saying "I am categorically telling you that I am not a gay man" - went on to reveal the moment he finally came to terms with his sexuality arrived when he was in a relationship with a woman.

He explained: "I had a girlfriend, she was the first person I spoke to and told.

"It was a proper relationship but I was very aware when I was seeing her that things weren't quite right. If something doesn't click, it doesn't click.

"I feel so positive about this."

Ex-girlfriend Gemma has been less than supportive about his admission, however, taking to Twitter to boast she always knew she was right about him.

She wrote: "I always SEE what other people don't and speak the TRUTH x (sic)"